Pokey Creek Farm Elderberry Exploration

Pokey Creek Farm Elderberry Exploration

Summary

Good progress has been made on this project. The site is cleared, prepped and fenced. The 600 elderberries are ready for planting this month. Literature reviews and personal interviews have been conducted to better estimate yield potential based on site conditions and to confirm potential marketing opportunities. Recipes have been tested, and value-added elderberry products are being marketed at several local farmers’ markets. We are partnering with university extension to plan, advertise and offer a summer farm tour and two promotional brochures. Tours and brochures will focus on education and outreach about the potential for sustainable farming in mountain climates and value-added elderberry production and marketing.

Objectives/Performance Targets

• Sucessfully cultivate elderberries for a profitable, yet sustainable harvest
  Open up our operation for tours and workshops to educate interested parties
  Develop value-added elderberry products

Accomplishments/Milestones

We consulted with technical advisor, Dr. Barney, and continued research on appropriate elderberry varieties, yield potential and appropriate site preparation. We confirmed our original selection of two elderberry varieties to plant: Sambucus caerulea (native) and Sambucus nigra. Estimations of growth rate and yield potential have been revised considering mountain climate and terrain. The original estimation of bearing plants in three years from planting is probably optimistic, and the yield potential of full grown plants at 40-60 lbs. berries per plant are based on sites with longer growing seasons and optimal conditions. However, we remain optimistic for the potential of a viable productive crop.

Site preparation was accomplished for over one acre of land with tree removal, clearing of existing brush and soil preparation. Extra area (beyond what was needed for first planting) was cleared with the intention for expansion. We have some areas that are full sun/dryer and others that are shadier/moister areas to compare site adaptation and yield of plants. The one acre area for planting has been fenced with eight food tall fencing for deer/elk control of plantings. The 600 elderberry plants are being planted this month (April 2012) with 8×8 foot spacing. Soil amendments are chicken manure, some peat moss and lime. New plantings will be mulched with hay. Cover crops of oats and winter pea will be planted between rows to keep ground covered at all times and worked in as green manures. The planting was delayed from original date because seedlings (raised by local native plant nursery) did not get big enough for planting the first year. Last spring was an unnaturally late spring and the site still had snow until late June.

Equipment has been purchased for harvesting the elderberries and other crops. We originally planned on purchasing an electric wheelbarrow but decided to put in additional funds of our own to purchase a more versatile and adaptable (to sloped rough ground) ATV with dump bed.

Research has continued on marketing potential of the crop. A recipe has been perfected for elderberry jelly from wild harvested berries. The jelly has been marketed at the Moscow (Idaho) Farmers’ Market with great success. Connections have been made with herb companies interested in dry elderberries and flowers for use in tinctures. Potential exists for marketing berries to a local winery in a nearby town. We still plan to connect with local university food science departments to explore opportunities for juice, sodas and/or juice concentrates.

We are currently planning a farm tour for August. We are working with Cinda Williams, Latah County Extension Educator, who will help co-sponsor and advertise our tour. We are developing new color brochures for our farm that describe our sustainable ‘mountain farming’ practices and our new elderberry project.

Dr. Dan Barney left his position with the University of Idaho in July 2010. Ashley McFarland has changed positions with UI Extension, and since she is no longer in Benewah County, her involvement in this project will be minimal. Cinda Williams has agreed to serve as Technical Advisor to help us complete the project.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Preliminary outcomes include increased knowledge of elderberry production and experience in producing and marketing a value-added product. Value-added products have been tested and small quantities are being marketed with initial success.

Collaborators: